What's Eating Gilbert Grape Essay Questions

What is the significance of the annual arrival of the caravans in Endora? What makes this year's arrival so different?

The RVs remind the townies that a life outside of Endora exists. Additionally, they signify the existence of a “way out” of the claustrophobic, small town. Though the campers pass through each year, they never take a moment to stop. Though the occurrence is important to the Grapes, this event also reminds Gilbert that Endora and its inhabitants are trivial to those outside of its perimeter. Becky's and her grandmother's forced visit to Endora gives Gilbert and his family a chance to be noticed and recognized by previously unknown people. This interest and encouragement causes a change in Gilbert’s routine and provides him with long-needed attention.

Discuss Bonnie Grape's character. How is she both helpless and the root of the Grape family's problems? Why is she given such a complex characterization?

At the beginning of the film, we see Bonnie through Gilbert's anger and frustration. Upset with his own responsibilities and his inability to act autonomously, Gilbert views his mother as a material reminder of his exasperation. However, as the film progresses, we see that Gilbert begins to understand his mother's love and her own heartbreak. We begin to understand Bonnie's obesity not as a personal failing, but as a result of deep frustration self-loathing. Although her behavior affects her children negatively, we learn to feel sadness, sympathy, and compassion for her character.

How does the film portray loneliness? What are the effects of isolation and loneliness on one or more of the film's characters?

Bonnie's spiral into depression is brought on by the loss of her husband and her loneliness. Additionally, Gilbert's anger is greatly affected by the isolation he feels in Endora. When Becky arrives in town, Gilbert finds a friend and companion that makes him feel more comfortable in his own skin. When Gilbert discovers love, he is able to learn more about himself and spend time evaluating the emotions that he has long repressed.

Discuss Arnie's character. What can the Grape family learn from Arnie's commentary and his behavior? Gilbert cares for his younger brother, but in what ways does Arnie also care for Gilbert?

Arnie's preoccupation with heights and climbing indicates his desire for freedom and his rejection of what is considered "the norm." Additionally, Arnie's individual relationship with Becky, in comparison to the relationship that Gilbert and Becky share, is important for understanding how Arnie and Gilbert operate differently. While Gilbert is often restricted by his unwillingness to confront his own vulnerability and emotions, Arnie’s condition makes him oblivious to fear. In this way, Arnie shows Becky how much she means to him in a way that Gilbert cannot. Through Arnie’s loving and fearless personality, Gilbert is able to grow closer with Becky and confront his fears. Although Arnie is dependent on Gilbert, it becomes clear that Gilbert can learn and grow from following Arnie’s lead.

How does the film portray adulthood versus childhood? What do these interpretations of age and responsibility signify?

Following the death of her husband, Bonnie's loneliness and impending responsibility as a single parent caused her to panic and spiral into a depression. In this way, Bonnie's infantilization indicates human vulnerability. Bonnie is the mother, but instead of Bonnie supporting her family, her family must make sacrifices in order to support her. In this way, the film argues that age is merely a number and does not entail a specific role or position.